By ALICIA LEONARD
The March 21, 2017 second regularly scheduled Walton County School Board (WCSB) of the month was held in the media room of South Walton High School.
A second wave of High Impact teachers, this time from the south end of the county, was recognized by the board and the Florida Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. Those recognized include from Emerald Coast Middle School are Jeannine Abadie, Tracey Behr, Nina Borthwick, Constance Morreale, and Brandy Wesson.
Teachers recognized from Seaside Neighborhood School are Dana Akridge, Taylor Griffith, Sharon Martin, Joy Robbins, Charlotte Sause.
Teachers recognized from Van R. Butler Elementary School are Wendy Anderson, Carol Davis, and Kasey Smith.
Teachers recognized from South Walton High School are Angela Reilly, and from Bay Elementary School Lisa Henry.
These teachers are recognized as having the highest impact in the entire state based upon a recent analysis of student performance on statewide standardized assessments.
Other items of interest were a discussion between representatives from Lord & Sons Construction Inc. and board members about the ongoing issues of getting the playing fields ready at Walton Middle School. The athletic fields have been plagued with bad weather and seeding products that have had a hard time taking root and growing in time for student activities.
One point of contention was that a deadline had been passed and the date changed for the company to provide additional efforts to fix the situation without the board’s knowledge, per a written agreement. An original date of March 15 had been agreed upon a few months back and working with staff had been pushed up through May. After some serious discussion, the board agreed that any other issues would be brought before them and if the situation had no remedy or improvements by April 15 the company would make good on their promise to sod the area at their own expense.
During public comments the board heard from parent and band organization member Mark Douglass about working with administration on past issues of handling of funds, proper procedure, shared space, some strongly worded letters from administration, and band property used for fundraising that was missing.
Douglass was reassured that a meeting would be set up between the high school administration and District Superintendent Russell Hughes to try and sort out the issues.
Another parent spoke to the board about the aesthetics of the high school area and some items that needed to be repaired.
The next meeting of the WCSB is scheduled for April 4, at 5 p.m.
To see more about district events and meetings go to www.walton.k12.fl.us.